This guide is applicable to the following hardware versions:
Prototype V2
Prototype V3
Production (Labelled “MODEL: FLOW GATEWAY” on the back of the device)
Overview
Flow integrates with a range of commercial coffee machines, providing cloud based and real-time visibility of coffee production parameters.
It achieves this via an Internet of Things (IoT) device installed near the coffee machine which collects the signal from the coffee machines built in flow meters then transmits this data to the cloud for processing and analysis.
Quick Start Installation Procedure
Prerequisite requirements are met
Connect the Flow meter cable(s) to the coffee machine flow meters
Mount the Flow Gateway
Route the Flow meter cable(s) to the Flow Gateway and secure the cable
Setup and install the Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter (If required)
Plug in the Flow Gateway
Confirm the Flow Gateway operation
Technical support
Phone - Scott @ Flow Coffee +64 27 423 3135
Email support@flowcoffee.co.nz
Safety Information
The Flow Gateway must be installed by a technician with the appropriate levels of certification to perform work inside of a commercial espresso machine
If the Flow Gateway is wall mounted, it is only suitable for mounting at heights of less than 2 metres
Table of contents
Sub-pages
Flow solution components
Flow Gateway
Electronic device that connects the coffee machine to Flow Coffee's cloud dashboard (usually mounted under the counter).
Flow Gateway power supply
100-240V AC - 5V DC power adapter for the Flow Gateway (interchangeable AC pins).
Two grouphead flow meter cable
Cable which connects the Flow Gateway to the coffee machine’s flow meters. One cable is required for a 1-2 grouphead machine, two cables for a 3-4 grouphead machine. There are different types of two grouphead flow meter cables available to suit the different flow meter connections commonly found: https://flowcoffee-co-nz.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FGCI/pages/461242401/Espresso+machine+knowledge+base#Flow-meter-connection-variations
Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter
When the Flow Gateway needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network for access to the Internet a separate Wi-Fi to Ethernet (wired) network adapter is required.
or
Flow Gateway assembly
The Flow Gateway, Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter, and power supplies are assembled
in the same location (usually under the bench where the coffee machine is) and the
Flow meter cable(s) are routed from there into the coffee machine.
Coffee machine flow meter connection
The coffee machine end of the Flow meter cable has a male and female plug which
piggybacks off the signal from the coffee machines flow meters.
Prerequisite site requirements
An Ethernet or Wi-Fi network which is accessible from the location of the coffee machine
Outbound access from the Ethernet or Wi-Fi network to
a14v6cnrny0bel-ats.iot.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com on port 443 TCP (HTTP and MQTT over TLS)
At least one of the following addresses, on port 123 UDP (NTP):
0.asia.pool.ntp.org
0.europe.pool.ntp.org
0.id.pool.ntp.org
0.south-america.pool.ntp.org
0.oceania.pool.ntp.org
0.north-america.pool.ntp.org
A suitable mounting location for the Flow Gateway near the coffee machine (usually under the counter)
Nb. The supplied Flow meter cable is 3 meters long, so depending on the routing of the cable within the coffee machine, this allows for installing the Flow Gateway approximately 1.5-2 meters away from the coffee machineAC power outlet near the location of the coffee machine for the Flow Gateway power supply (usually under the counter)
Nb. The Flow Gateway power supply cable is 1 meter longIf the Flow Gateway will be connected via a Wi-Fi network:
A second AC power outlet near the location of the coffee machine for the Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter
Nb. The TP-Link TL-WA850RE may not fit in a power outlet adjacent to another plug. It is 66mm wide, and extends 85mm above the centre of plug and 25mm below the centre of the plug.
Required Components for installation
For each coffee machine the following components are required to install the Flow solution:
Flow Gateway
Flow Gateway power supply
For a 1-2 grouphead coffee machine:
1x Flow meter cable
For a 3-4 grouphead coffee machine
2x Flow meter cables
Appropriate Flow meter cable adapters for the type of coffee machine that the Flow Gateway will be connected to - seeCoffee machine flow meter connector variations
If the Flow Gateway will be using a wired internet connection:
Ethernet network cable of a suitable length for the site
If the Flow Gateway will be using Wi-Fi to connect to the internet:
Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter (comes with power supply and 0.5m Ethernet cable)
Computer, tablet or smartphone with a Wi-Fi network connection
Cable ties
High strength double sided foam tape - eg. 3M VHB Double Sided Foam Adhesive
Tools for removing the appropriate covers from the coffee machine to access the flow meters
Installation procedure
1. Connect the Flow meter cable(s) to the coffee machine flow meters
The coffee machine has a flow meter per grouphead. The Flow meter cable has a female and male plug per grouphead to allow it to connect in parallel with the coffee machine’s connection.
For each flow meter
Disconnect the coffee machine’s plug or quick connect (blade) connectors from the flow meter terminals.
Connect the female connector on the Flow meter cable to the flow meter terminals.
Connect the corresponding male connector on the Flow meter cable to the coffee machine’s plug or quick connect (blade) connectors.
Unused connection
If there is a spare connector on the Flow meter cable after all groupheads have been connected (ie. when two cables are used for a 3 grouphead coffee machine), connect the spare male and female plugs together then secure the cable out of the way.
Coffee machine flow meter connector variations
Each flow meter has a positive (+), negative (-) and signal (0) terminal. The type of connector and pinout used by the coffee machine / flow meters varies by manufacturer and model. See https://flowcoffee-co-nz.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FGCI/pages/461242401/Espresso+machine+knowledge+base#Flow-meter-connection-variations for the different types coffee machine flow meter connectors and which adapters are required to connect them to the Flow Gateway.
2. Mount the Flow Gateway
Mount the Flow device near the coffee machine in a location that is not likely to be disturbed or affected by heat / water / steam (usually under the counter is the most appropriate location). Ensure the chosen location is in reach of the Flow meter cable and power outlet.
Mount the device using high strength double sided foam tape (eg. 3M VHB Double Sided Foam Adhesive).
3. Route the Flow meter cable(s) to the Flow Gateway and secure the cable
Route the cable(s) through the service hole in the bottom of the coffee machine then to where the Flow Gateway will be located.
Secure the cable(s) inside the coffee machine so that cannot touch any hot components like water piping or the boiler, and so that it cannot be dislodged if it is pulled from outside of the coffee machine.
Plug the Flow meter cable(s) into the Flow Gateway.
4. Setup and install the Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter (If required)
If a wired internet connection is not available setup the external Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter.
Depending on what region you are in you will have been supplied with one of the following models, follow the link below the image to see setup instructions specific to the model you have been supplied:
Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter installation - TP-Link TL-WR802N
Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter installation - TP-Link TL-WA850RE
5. Plug in the Flow Gateway
Connect the Ethernet cable (from the sites network outlet or the Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter) to the Flow Gateway.
Install the Flow Gateway power supply, secure the cable, and connect to the device.
Ensure that the power light on the front panel of the Flow Gateway is illuminated and that the Ethernet light (green light on the Ethernet jack) is illuminated.
Nb. It is normal for the connection (globe icon) light on the front panel not to be illuminated when using an Ethernet connection.
6. Confirm the Flow Gateway operation
Run each grouphead on the coffee machine, ensuring that the correct grouphead light number on the front panel of the Flow Gateway flashes while the grouphead is running.
Contact your Flow Coffee representative to confirm the unit has connected to our servers and we can see data coming from the coffee machine (See the Support section on the first page for contact details).